Internship

In Their Own Words: A Few Former Interns Share Their Experience

Hollie Higgins, Texas Tech University
Terry Costa Internship Program Founder
While in college, I completed four internships of all calibers. Other members of our management team did as well, some even here at Terry Costa. As a result, our management team recognizes how important it is for students to learn, experience and grow through hands- on experiences with customers and management. If you are looking for exposure to a wide variety of the elements of business and the retail industry, look no further. You won’t find yourself stuck on the floor everyday. You won’t find yourself doing the same thing everyday. What you will find is a wealth of opportunities to make a difference, manage change and grow towards your goals. You simply can’t beat this opportunity and experience!

Kara Ann Young
Fall 2004
My semester internship with Terry Costa was a once in a lifetime experience. From shopping at the apparel mart, to placing reorders, to helping customers out on the sales floor – I gained a wealth of knowledge into how to own and run a small business. From the day I walked into the door I was allowed to ask any question I wanted and was involved in many important decision-making processes. This learning process was one I would have never received anywhere else, and the amount of information that I leave with will help me as I further my career. Terry Costa’s group is a dynamic team, and I was so very privileged to be a part of it for a semester.

Natalie Roberts, University of North Texas
Summer 2003
My internship at Terry Costa was a wonderful learning experience. From the beginning I was involved in daily tasks and assignments. I also aided in the organizing and execution of special events. Interns participate in many activities that each lend to their education and experience in varying ways. In addition, professional and personal skills are developed where applicable in the work place. Through my internship with Terry Costa I will take away many skills that will aid me in my career. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a great learning experience and a great company.

Ashley Fisher, Texas Christian University
Fall 2003
Interning at Terry Costa gave me the opportunity to completely experience retail. Participating in the buying, special ordering, customer service, and event planning gave me a better understanding of the ways to run a business. Learning the “ins” and “outs” of a store is important as well as always following through with the customer. I learned it is important to know what the potential customer is always looking for. Most of all, if a dress sells - reorder it!

Pamela Walls, Stephen F. Austin
Fall 2003
When I originally heard about the Terry Costa internship I was apprehensive due to the fact it was for an unpaid position. But, no amount of money could account for what I have learned from this experience. I was able to go to the Dallas Market my first day there, with Terry Costa, herself, and Hollie McLauchlin (now Hollie Higgins), which in itself was more than I could have ever hoped for. It was incredible to watch and talk with Terry at market, very few people get to have the opportunity to learn and actually speak with such a successful and wonderful woman. I also got to speak daily with vendors, as well as analyze trends in the store and determine when and what merchandise was needed. My ideas and thoughts not only counted at Terry Costa, but they were encouraged. It was defiantly the experience of a lifetime!

Kelley Cours, University of North Texas
Summer 2003 – Fall 2003
My internship experience at Terry Costa has been an invaluable part of my career. It gave me the building blocks I needed and the taught me to be confident in my journey. Working in all areas of the retail business: sales, cashiering, promotions, assistant buying, accounting, bridal, special ordering, customer service and relations, as well as working with a number of people - all with different personalities, has made me a stronger person - both professionally and personally. For anyone searching for a challenging internship in the industry, Terry Costa will offer that and more.

Alicia Smith, Brookhaven College
Summer 2003
As a Fashion Marketing student at Brookhaven College, I had no idea where my fashion degree would take me. As every girl’s dream, I wanted to be in the world of fashion, but where did I begin? With the help of a professor and an open position at Terry Costa, I finally figured out where my degree was taking me. Through the internship, I learned many great aspects of the fashion industry all in one place. From going to market where it all begins to actually selling on the floor. (I think I did a little of everything!!) It was a great experience that led me to be a part of many special events and promotions. Now, through working at Terry Costa as an intern and bridal consultant, I have found my passion in the fashion world. Thanks to Terry Costa’s intern program I found that special event coordinating is something I could make a career of. I have chosen to begin a journey in the wedding consulting business. It is a great place to get exceptional experience in the industry as well as make life long friends.

Jessica Shaw, University of Texas, Dallas
Summer 2003
Starting the internship at Terry Costa it was hard for some people to link fashion to my Degree in Economics and Finance. But this summer I learned more about running a business then I probably have learned my entire student life; from the basics of finance to the retention of customers through promotion (sales), special events (bridal fairs, and specialized conventions/seminars) and even throwing cocktail parties for the VIP customers. I learned more about how the economy and the market play a huge factor in what clothing is made from and how shopping trends are affected. I learned about the different needs of customers and how generations have different views on clothing. Terry Costa does a great job in researching trends and customer buying habits to ensure that customers will always find what styles they are looking for in every price range (price points). The employees are very supportive and willing to help you understand what is needed to run a business and help you succeed. Running a company was a lot more involved than I could have imagined.

Misty Capps, University of North Texas
Summer 2003
I had an amazing experience here at Terry Costa. When I first got hired to do my internship here I was not sure how I was going to like it, what responsibilities I would have, and had no clue as to what the people would be like here. I have been more than blessed to land such an awesome internship and feel that Terry Costa and the staff has exceeded any expectation I ever had for this internship. I had the chance to do so much and work with some truly amazing ladies. I feel that I gained so much knowledge about Terry Costa and the way their business works. I had a wide range of responsibilities here and all of them seemed so helpful and useful towards my future in the fashion industry. I truly cannot express how much I enjoyed this internship and the experience I gained from working at Terry Costa.

Kristin Matthews, University of North Texas
Spring 2003
I learned a tremendous amount coming in and not knowing how a business runs; you can’t help but pick it up fast here. My experience was filled with a variety of experiences, and I learned how to apply skills in many different ways.

Lauren Thompson, Wade College
Oct. 2001 – Jan. 2003
Interning for Terry Costa has been a wonderful experience for me. I have learned about the real world of the fashion industry, and I know that I am better prepared for my future in merchandising. At Terry Costa, I did everything from administrative tasks, to helping make ad campaign decisions, to attending market at the International Apparel Mart in Dallas. I also learned what it was like to work with a team of wonderful employees. Years from now I will still reap the rewards from this worthwhile internship. My internship turned into a full-time employment opportunity after I graduated. Terry Costa continues to strengthen my confidence, abilities and opportunities. After I moved, my contacts through Terry Costa helped me find employment elsewhere.

Melanie Aiona, Southwest Texas
Summer 2001
Not knowing what to expect being an intern at Terry Costa, I was pleasantly surprised to find an internship where all different aspects of the fashion industry were utilized on a daily basis. Interning here at Terry Costa, I attended market in Dallas, assisted the buyer in contacting vendors, placed orders, directed fashion shows for the store, planned special events, and most importantly, had the best time doing all of this! Watching a buyer work her magic at market is something you can’t read about in books; you have to experience it. The same goes for the business experiences I gained here. Being a fashion merchandising major, having hands-on experience was important to my future, and working for Terry Costa solidified that for me. I’m so confident in my abilities because I interned here! And I am thankful that I had the opportunity to work for about two years full-time as Terry Costa’s Bridal Coordinator after I graduated. The internship at Terry Costa helped me grow as a student, as an employee, and as a person. It was one of the best decisions I ever made!